Flake honored posthumously by colleagues

A bust of Sen. Jake Flake was unveiled on the Senate floor June 8. The clay bust was sculpted by former Sen. Rusty Bowers. A permanent bronze bust will be put on display in the Senate, House or old Capitol. (Photo by Bill Coates)

Senators honored the late Jake Flake and unveiled a clay bust of him on June 8.

Franklin Lars Flake was serving as a Republican senator last year when he fell off of his horse and died several days later from related injuries. He died on June 8, 2008 at age 72.

Senators remembered him as a family man, church missionary, rancher, House speaker and senator. They recalled working with Flake, who was known for his commonsense remarks and cowboy metaphors.

Sen. John Huppenthal, a Chandler Republican, recalled talking about Flake with an environmentalist who referred to the latter as a “buddy.” Only Flake among Republicans could have inspired that kind of respect and friendship from an ardent environmentalist, Huppenthal said.

Sen. Leah Landrum Taylor, a Democrat from Phoenix, said Flake used to put his jacket on her shoulders when she complained that the chamber was too cold.

Flake’s wife Mary Louise, kids and in-laws and grandkids were in the gallery for the reading of the resolution in his honor.